BBE Editor's Pick

Akasha

9543 Culver Blvd., Culver City

Akasha Richmond traveled the globe as Michael Jackson's tour chef for over a dozen years, shopping at local farmers' markets and crafting healthy, international cuisine fit for a king (of pop). Now she brings her passion for local, organic and fair-trade fare to the rest of us, turning out dishes meat lovers and vegans alike love, from spice-rubbed grilled pork chops to Punjabi mung beans and rice. The bakery in front is a sweet spot to read the paper, while the style-meets-substance dining room features reclaimed wood from a barn, rust-colored hemp upholstery and energy-efficient lighting just dim enough to make every diner look good, especially after a few organic specialty cocktails or glasses of biodynamic wine.

menu musts

Prosciutto, oregonzola, fig, caramelized onion and wild arugula pizza
Spiked organic turkey burger mixed with green olives, jalapeno, red peppers and onion
Barramundi with zucchini, risotto, tomato, pine nuts, and raisin, olive and caper relish
House-made rice flour-crusted onion rings with smoked paprika aioli
Seasonal fruit tart with stone fruit, vanilla ice cream and toasted streusel

sweet seats

Ask for a banquette in the back to survey the bustling yet somehow serene scene.

chew on this

Built in 1925, the landmark building that houses Akasha was once Culver City's first hospital. It's now rumored to be haunted by the ghost of either a doctor or patient who's been known to show up after hours, calling out the names of staff members and knocking over glasses in the bar.

hours

Bakery: Mon.-Fri. 8 AM-5:30 PM, Sat. 9 AM-5:30 PM
Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30 AM-2:30 PM
Brunch: Sun. 11 AM-2 PM
Happy Hour: Mon.-Fri. 4-7 PM
Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 5:30-9:30 PM, Fri.-Sat. 5:30-10:30 PM, Sun. 5-9 PM

price range

$12 (red quinoa with market vegetables and grilled tofu) to $29 (beer-braised short ribs with creme fraiche potatoes, sautéed escarole and organic carrot fritte)

9543 Culver Blvd. (corner of Watseka Ave. between Washington and Venice Blvds.), Culver City, CA 90232; 310-845-1700 www.akasharestaurant.com